Inside the Helmet: A Player's Eye View of the NFL

While some people think that pro football is a game in which 22 65, 285-pound behemoths crash into one another to move a ball a few yards, Sports Illustrated reporter King argues otherwise. Players, he maintains, are highly intelligent, especially the quarterbacks, who must keep in mind dozens of maneuvers and be ready to change their calls within seconds if the opposing players alter their strategy. Cornerbacks, special-teams players and those in certain other positions must combine brains with brawn, speed and their teammates' abilities. The author here interviews N.F.L. stars Boomer Esiason, Barry Sanders and Bruce Smith, as well as winning Super Bowl coach Jimmy Johnson on the demands of the game. While not convincing in all particulars, King's contention that football is a brainy sport stands up pretty well. First serial to USA Weekend. (Oct.)